Networked Printing System Load Distribution via Image Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems face limitations in load distribution across networked printing apparatuses, as the destination apparatus must match the source's functions and color reproduction range, restricting freedom of selection and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A printing system where the transfer source apparatus transmits processing programs and data to an idle transfer destination apparatus, allowing the destination to execute image data generation processes, even if it lacks the source's functions, and returns output data for printing by the source, enhancing system efficiency and freedom of destination selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transfer destination printing apparatus executes the entire process including printing, then the process can be completed at the destination, but the destination apparatus must have equivalent functions as the source apparatus, which limits the freedom of selection of the destination apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of selection of destination apparatusVSAvoidfunction equivalence requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the printing process into two independent segments: (1) image data generation process executed by the destination apparatus, and (2) printing process executed by the source apparatus. This segmentation allows each apparatus to perform only its specialized function, eliminating the requirement for the destination apparatus to have complete printing functions while maintaining process continuity across different devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image data as an intermediary between the print data and the printing process. The destination apparatus generates image data from the print data and transmits it back to the source apparatus, which then performs the printing. This intermediary approach allows the destination apparatus to be functionally simpler while still contributing to the overall printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the transfer destination printing apparatus executes the entire process, then the process can be completed at the destination, but it is impossible to achieve the same kind of color reproduction result if the color reproduction range of the destination apparatus is different from the source apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproduction consistencyVSAvoiddestination apparatus selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the source apparatus as a reference model for the image generation process. The destination apparatus copies the essential image data generation logic from the source apparatus, ensuring that the generated image data maintains the same color reproduction characteristics regardless of the destination apparatus's native color capabilities. This copying approach preserves color consistency while allowing flexible destination selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If the transfer source printing apparatus waits until it is in an idle status to process print data, then it can process the data itself, but this reduces system efficiency when the source apparatus is continuously busy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem process efficiencyVSAvoidsource apparatus idle waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the destination apparatus to perform the image data generation process in advance, before the source apparatus becomes available for printing. By preparing the image data beforehand at the destination apparatus, the system eliminates the need for the source apparatus to wait idle, thereby improving overall system productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The destination apparatus serves itself by independently executing the image data generation process without requiring the source apparatus to be idle. This self-service capability allows the destination apparatus to prepare processing results in advance, which are then ready for immediate printing when the source apparatus becomes available, thereby optimizing system throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8665460B2Print system, printing apparatus, printing method and printing program

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

A printing system includes a plurality of printing apparatuses connected with each other via a network including a transfer source printing apparatus having a first printing apparatus that receives print data and a transfer destination printing apparatus having a second printing apparatus. The transfer source printing apparatus is equipped with a process instruction unit for transmitting to the transfer destination printing apparatus in an idle status a processing program and process data for executing a process of generating image data from the print data, and requesting the process to be executed, when the transfer source printing apparatus is not in an idle status when it receives the print data. The transfer destination printing apparatus is equipped with a transmitting unit for transmitting to the transfer source printing apparatus the output data generated from the process data by the process in the process.